Dear Student:

I am delighted to formally extend you the opportunity to serve as a leader of the 2015 Columbia Outdoor Orientation Program (COÖP)!  I am excited that you will become a valued member of our team. As you know, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best and brightest students to support our mission of excellence in the program. Outlined below are the terms surrounding your participation as a COÖP leader:

Period of Service: March 2015 through September 2015

General Expectations

Leaders are responsible for the day-to-day programming details of the program. The duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participate in  all relevant COOP/Undergraduate Student Life trainings including:
  • Leader trainings throughout the spring semester, including but not limited to: first aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid, comprehensive program trainings (hiking, biking, river canoeing safety trainings), Communication Protocol Training, Spring Trip (May 16-19, 2015)
• Serve as a trip leader on Fall Trip (August 27-30, 2015)
• Assist with pre-trip preparations per discretion of COÖP administrator and coordinators
• Identify processes and practices that could be improved to further the COÖP mission and goals

Specific tasks/assignments are subject to change in response to unforeseen needs and refocused programming objectives.  As a leader, it is expected that you will fulfill all of your responsibilities as outlined in this document, as well as maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. This includes attending meetings, being punctual, meeting deadlines, and responding to correspondence. Leaders are expected to be and remain in good academic and disciplinary standing. COÖP leaders are expected to be exceptional student leaders and mentors to first-year students. As such, leaders are expected to exhibit behaviors of successful role models, abide by the Rules of University Conduct, and adhere to Undergraduate Student Life’s statement of Community Principles. All COÖP-related activities, events and trips are alcohol-free, regardless of legal age. Failure to meet any of these expectations may result in termination of your position as COÖP leader. In such cases, COÖP will discontinue paying for University housing beginning on the day of termination and any remaining balance will become your responsibility.  Please note that should you incur any violations (traffic or park ranger issued) during the trip due to a failure to adhere to driving or park regulations, it is your responsibility to pay for the violation. Proper training will be provided to leaders so that leaders are knowledgeable regarding all hiking, biking, or river canoeing regulations and policies. 

Compensation:

As a leader, your position requires that you arrive on-campus on August 26, 2015 (or earlier based upon individual program responsibilities per COÖP administrator and/or coordinators).  Housing is provided by COÖP at no cost to you during this time, based on your ability to fulfill your responsibilities as a leader.  Additionally, due to Spring Trip dates, you have the option of checking out at the end of Spring Trip (May 16, 2015); this is also provided to you at no charge.

Please contact me if you have any questions, require additional information or if there is anything I can do to help you get started in your new role as a COÖP leader.  My direct phone number is 212-854-1196 and my email is rps2144@columbia.edu.  I look forward to our partnership and to your contributions as a member of our team.

Respectfully, 

Ryan P. Scherr

Assistant Director, Leadership and Civic Engagement